COMMUNITY, CITIZENSHIP AND CELEBRATION IN THE SOMERSET

 

High humidity levels persisted across many parts of south east Queensland on January 26^th but not even oppressive temperatures were going to be enough to keep the citizens and soon-to- be citizens of the Somerset Region gathering in the cool of the Somerset Civic Centre, Esk on this Australia Day 2026; a day for celebrating  those values of resilience, respect, diversity and freedoms which have continued to shape this nation.

The dynamic Brady Schultz, the epitome of his ‘Healthy Lifestyles Australia’, ushered in the day with a spirited welcome to all the invited dignitaries including Mayor Jason Wendt, Queensland’s Attorney General Deb Frecklington and a cast of Councillors from the Somerset Region, with a special warm welcome to this year’s Australia Day Ambassador, Hani Watson.

Embodying its motto ‘Service in Song’, the Esk Community Choir laid the groundwork for an Aussie flavoured day with their rendition of Mark O’Leary’s The Lachlan Tigers (that’s NSW shearers, not Eastern Suburb’s Footy team!).  With Alexis at the piano, Suzanne and Ruth on flute and Kathleen adding rhythm and colour to the music on the monkey stick or lagerphone, this Aussie folk song paved the way for the more formal proceedings.

The seventy-one new Australians, having taken aloud the Australian Citizenship Pledge were each presented their Citizenship Certificates, bouquets of Australian Native flowers and from the audience, heartfelt applause and a strong sense of shared pride. With the Choir leading in a stirring rendition of the Australian National Anthem, it was on with the show!

Somerset’s Australia Day Ambassador, Hani Watson, a Queenslander since she was a tot, is a true reflection of what it means to be Australian.  Hani was born with significant birth defects and now after many years of corrective surgeries, still suffers multiple medical issues which are progressive and degenerative.  Inspired by her bodybuilder father, Hani has forged ahead despite her disabilities, and represented Australia in Commonwealth and Paralympic Games, a powerhouse in the sport of powerlifting.

With Somerset Council’s Helen at the mic and a well-versed company of Council staff, Certificates of Recognition were presented to the many worthy nominees for the Sports, Arts and Culture, Community Group, Event of the Year, Citizen of the Year Awards, and to the eventual winners of each category, their medals and certificates.  It is with a not -so-small sense of pride that the Esk Community Choir came up trumps for the Arts and Culture Award in acknowledgement of their 48 years of artistic contributions to local culture, civic life and the enrichment of regional events through performances and collaborations. Adding another level of true-blue flavour to the day, the choir’s uplifting rendition of Advance Matilda marked the close of the formal proceedings, inviting all to move on to CWA’s sumptuous morning tea and the enjoyable activities that awaited.

To Jo Maxwell and all the members of the Somerset Regional Council whose initiative made this day a wonderful day of celebration for all, Alexis and the members of the Esk Community Choir give their sincere thanks.

By: Sue Walker

 

Alexis FitzGeral OAM & Ruth Skippen

MEMORIES MADE IN 2025 WITH ESK COMMUNITY CHOIR

 

At the Grand Hotel we gathered round,

Cheerful chatter amid a grateful crowd,

The year was full, the months seemed long,

But now it was time for wine and song.

The tables filled with stories shared

Of concerts sung and highs declared.

Alexis lavished praise with a well-earned sigh,

Cards and gifts exchanged around table nearby.

Susie wrapped wrist bands on members with cheer,

And we all toasted heartily to another great year.

The soloists sparkled, Alexis and Ruth kept time,

The duets and Ukes all sounded sublime.

Helene made her debut on flute this night

Annie’s Song so serene, not one note did take flight.

Now Roly and Sue have taken their leave

Off to new ventures, we can hardly believe.

We’ll miss both their voices, Sue’s table décor bespoke

And the times they shared with all of us folk.

Throughout ‘25, each rise and fall,

Each week we’ve answered music’s call…

With our cherished Alexis, so calm and true,

Guiding us as only she can do.

Alexis to your steadfast heart

Your care, your craft, your vital part

We offer our gratitude sincere,

You are the soul of Esk Choir, year after year.

And as we ended this joyful night

Beneath the Grand’s soft glowing light,

We heard our voices joined as one.

To rise again when the season’s done.

And as the night drew gently to rest--

We knew we’d shared our very best.

By: Sue Walker

THE GIFT OF MUSIC FROM A CHOIR TO A COMMUNITY IN 2025

 

What could be more enjoyable than the company of friends amid festive surrounds, a diverse repertoire of instrumental, dance and choral music by prodigious musicians, tappers and an extraordinarily accomplished Choir? Nothing…that’s what!  And anybody who was not at the Somerset Civic Centre on the afternoon of 7^th December at the Esk Community Choir’s 35^th Annual Christmas Concert will have robbed themselves of an occasion that surely would have enriched their lives.

The sun painted  the sky blue on this unseasonally sultry December morning, and without a storm in sight, concert goers found their places within the welcome relief of the Civic Centre’s foyer, a room festooned with a magnificent Christmas tree, a kaleidoscope of colour, craft, cookies and condiments ready to fill curious customers’ Christmas wish lists and a special appearance by Santa Claus doing the rounds for happy snappers to insert that special someone or two on their annual Christmas Cards; all these reflecting the sights of the season. However, it was inside the Auditorium where that variety reached another level with the Sounds of the Season. 

At the outset, an eloquent address by Choir President, Marina Crichton acknowledged the Choir’s gift to the Somerset Civic Centre of a data projector creating dynamic digital backdrops to enhance audience appreciation at any number of events.  Then followed the presentation by Alexis to the Esk Community Choir’s newest life member, a very humble but deserved and bewildered Felice Evans.  Behind a closed curtain, the choristers came together on stage to eventually join in song with Roland and Richard whose uplifting duet Jesus is Born set the scene for the musical treats to follow.

The boys from Full Spectrum Brass both in collaboration with the Choir and as a quartet were a masterclass of brass and a demonstration of why they are a brass ensemble in high demand.   The string ensemble, Strings and Things are fast becoming Choir concert regulars, each and together creating once more a symphony of the hypnotic sounds of some of the great composers. A glittering performance by the Somerset Tappers was both a triumph and a captivating display of dance by a group of talented ladies with so much life in their years.  

Those three recalcitrant fairies, on the other hand, whilst they may have interrupted the introduction to a classic performance of DeCesare’s arrangement of Jingle Bell Rock by three masters of their crafts, Alexis on piano,  and  flautists Ruth and Suzanne, they did manage to open a window into the works of Gilbert and Sullivan, a March 29^th concert by choir members to be performed in 2026. 

Adding more spice to the variety, the fabulous Glenrock Ukes were a stimulus for some upbeat audience participation and under the tutelage of Suzanne, Recorder Resonance entertained with gusto dispelling any scepticism of this much maligned instrument. Adam Smith’s band of fine musicians from the Esk and Toogoolawah State and High Schools was a showcase of burgeoning talent and enthusiasm guaranteeing smiles and great applause from an appreciative audience.  Adding another level of artistic talent to an already prolific lineup were two gifted illustration artists, SASI’s Shirley Gregor and from Fernvale Artists group, Sue White both of whom throughout the concert quietly created on cardstock their artistic reflections of the songs that filled the auditorium; these later to be auctioned under the hammer of Ray White’s engaging but persuasive Josiah Jensen, the proceeds to be donated to the Esk State School’s restoration following October’s devastating hail storm.

And in between all these, shepherded by emcee extraordinaire, Sean Choat, including the drawing of some amazing raffle prizes, the members of the Esk Community Choir thrilled concert goers with some Christmas Carol magic.  Sir John Rutter’s We Wish You a Merry Christmas; a Merry Christmas Mozart arrangement by Jay Althouse and under Kathleen’s consummate musical direction, Sing With Festive Cheer is just what the ladies’ choir did.  The vibrant voices of the men’s choir soared as they led the choir into O Holy Night’s climactic choruses and Bob Hardy’s mellifluous bass voice as he ushered the choir in a unification of harmony with Strings and Things, Full Spectrum Brass, Suzanne on flute, the choir’s all-round consummate musician Ruth on keyboard and with Alexis at the music stand, sculpting the collaborative performance, The Holy City was the perfect inspiring finale to another wonderful  Christmas Concert.

This 2025 Christmas Concert offered more than a festive performance.  It was a celebration of community spirit, of musical collaboration and the unquestioned talents of a musical director with an unwavering passion for her choir.  Thank you, Alexis, for filling our lives with harmony, hope and the joy of singing together.

By: Sue Walker

A TALE OF CELEBRATION AND UNFORESEEN CHAOS AT ESK STATE SCHOOL’S 150TH ANNIVERSARY

 

It was on Saturday November 1^st when the Esk State School staff, students past and present, parents, a noteworthy number of supporters and sponsors as well as state, federal and local dignitaries rallied to celebrate a significant milestone in the life of this little school with its 150^th anniversary. An occasion eagerly anticipated by the entire community. 

Amongst the many highlights was the participation of our Esk Community Choir who was invited to lend its voices to the anniversary celebrations with the singing of the Australian Anthem and the ‘old’ Esk State School song, composed by our own Alexis late last century; a song resonating with the history of the school. 

And so it was a morning, the November sky cloudless, when the covered areas and grounds of the school were abuzz with students, old and new, families and friends enjoying the welcoming speeches, stalls, historical displays, and the various activities planned to commemorate this wonderful milestone.  Early afternoon and festivities took a dramatic turn as dark clouds gathered and without much warning, a fierce hailstorm swept through the area.  Torrential rain, strong winds and large hail stones caused tents and displays to collapse, soaking and injuring many attendees, forcing the event’s abrupt ending with many people having to scramble for cover and safety.

While the day did not end as planned, the adversity did highlight the enduring spirit of the people of this community.  Such was the devastation that Queensland Premier, Hon. David Crisafulli was there the following day to witness first-hand the devastation at the school and within the town and to give his praise to the volunteers who so quickly pitched in to help with the clean-up and offer their support to those affected by the storm.    

The Esk State School’s 150^th anniversary will be remembered not just for the milestone it represented, but for the collective response to this unprecedented event and a powerful reminder of resilience and togetherness, a testament to this tight-knit community.

By: Sue Walker

ANOTHER WAY TO A PERFECT DAY FOR OUR MARGARET

 

To the management and staff at Regis Camp Hill, Alexis and we of the Esk Community Choir would like to express our sincere gratitude for allowing us this opportunity to sing and for your kind hospitality. It was a bright blue-skyed, crisp morning when members of the Esk Community Choir made their way down the highway to the warm reception by residents and carers at Regis, Camp Hill where our Margaret and her family had been anxiously marking time for our arrival.

It has been said that there is no harm in repeating a good thing and that good thing was an encore of the choir’s Divas and Delights – Encore.  This new audience was in for a treat. It was a rousing repertoire kicking off with The Circus, a tribute to Johann Strauss.  Then, riding the ebb and flow of the audience’s energy, in a conglomeration of colourful costumes and to Alexis’s flawless accompaniments, solos, duos, trios, ensembles and choir, took these old coves along on a delightful musical journey, their reactions priceless. 

Kathleen, Patrina and Susie  "It's May"

Sitting front and centre alongside her family, Margaret, her world now shifted, her mobility now
compromised.  However, still her love and appreciation of her choir and of this music appeared tangible, her extraordinary talent now locked into her tiny frame. 

Margaret came into the choir family almost 16 years ago, not only as an accomplished accompanist with an uncanny capacity for vivid recall, but as a friend. Margaret was, and still is a good friend-maker, a good friend-keeper, and kind – a small word, but still a greatly underrated thing in this world at the moment and we hoped this day had been another precious memory for Margaret to lock away.  

The concert concluded with one of the frequently called upon pieces from the songbook of Margaret’s time with the choir, Lachlan Tigers. It is an Aussie folk song, strangely addictive; and thanks to Malcolm’s and Aydan’s practical demonstration, a heck of a way to learn about shearing.  Its cadence can illuminate a room, but isn’t that the power of a song? It can cause a shift and reconnect an audience to parts of themselves they thought they had lost.

By: Sue Walker

Susie, Patrina and Ruth  "Laughing Gypsies"

Bob 'Some Enchanted Evening"

Roger and Denis "A couple of Swells"

Helene, Susie and Kathleen  "Anything Goes" 

Aydan "I Wonder What the King is doing Tonight"

Denise "I Wonder What the King is doing Tonight" 
With Aydan.

The antics of "Anything Goes"